You just can't imagine how many myths about Maine Coons I had to listen to during the entire existence of our cattery. Despite the fact that the Maine Coon came in Russia for more than 20 years, myths about these huge cats continue to exist to this day.
So it's time to refute them.
1. The Maine Coon must weigh at least 20 kg (44 lb), otherwise, it is not a Maine Coon.
This myth about the weight of the Maine Coon is the most common. In fact, the average weight of a Maine Coon males is 6-8 kg (13-18 lb), boys weighing 8-10 kg (18-22 lb) are already considered quite large. Our male Loki weighs about 10 kg (22 lb) by his 7 years, and believe me, it's a lot! When I am asked a question about weight at cats shows, I propose to determine the weight of Loki. What kind of answers I just didn't get. Very often, many assume that the Loki's weight is 13-15 kg (28-33 lb), which is an order of magnitude more than it actually weighs. And usually men suffer from exaggeration, for some reason they want the male to be huge, no, very huge like a calf :)
I have seen Maine Coons weighing 12 kg (26 lb), I only heard about a weight of 16 kg (35 lb) - once from a breeder whom I fully trust.
In Maine Coons, the difference between male and female is significant, females look much more elegant and smaller than males. The average weight of Maine Coon females is 4-6 kg (9-13 lb).
Mafia with she's size will give odds to any Maine Coon males
Although there are some females that will give odds to many Maine Coon males. Our Mafia has grown into a huge and shaggy girl, not inferior in size to a large Maine Coon male.
2. Maine Coons eat like big dogs
No, the Maine Coon will not eat a large bowl of food for dinner. In fact, Maine Coons eat about the same as other cat breeds. Maine Coon size is the result of breeding for more than 100 years. And enhanced nutrition has nothing to do with it. Although when Maine Coon kittens grow up, it must be admitted that these gobblers can eat an elephant. After all, they need so much strength and energy to run, jump and have fun.
As the kitten grows, the amount eaten comes back to normal, and by 12 months the size of the portion of the Maine Coon will be like other cats.
3. Maine Coons are very aggressive
Looking at the harsh, and sometimes even menacing appearance of the Maine Coon, it's hard to think otherwise. But this is only the first impression. In fact, Maine Coon is a gentle and affectionate cat. Especially when he rubs his huge head against you or puts his nose under a kiss.
If such a question is asked at the cats show, I show my hands. Aggressive animals should leave traces on their hands in the form of bloody scars :)) Needless to say, I don't have any.
Our female Ofelia King Size, but we call her Demon
From the beginning of work on the Maine Coon breed, the breeders set a goal to get a friendly and balanced animal. And they did it quite well. All aggressive Maine Coon were removed from breeding, and only contact and socialized individuals were left for further breeding work.
Well, how can such a funny boy be aggressive?
And now just imagine - such a huge cat will also be aggressive. Are there many people willing to keep such a cat at home? I think not.
4. Maine Coon require a lot of space
Another fairly stable myth.
- How do we get such a huge cat in an apartment, because he needs a huge house!, — that's about what many people who want to buy a Maine Coon kitten think.
Maine Coons always share their habitat in a brotherly way
Despite the size of the Maine Coon, it does not require a lot of space. The main thing here is to properly organize the habitat of the Maine Coon in your home. The main space for cats of all breeds is vertical. If the cat has enough various shelves, cat's beds where he can retire, and watch what is happening from above, then even in a one-room apartment he will be quite comfortable.
5. Maine Coons have poor health.
Many people here remember that they heard somewhere that all Maine Coons are had frequent heart problems.
A cat of any breed can have heart problems, but a gene responsible for the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been identified and diagnosed in Maine coons.
Testing of adult Maine Coons and kittens for the carriage of genetic diseases and the correct selection of breeding pairs is what a breeder can do to avoid the appearance of weak and sick offspring. Therefore, if you decide to buy a Maine Coon kitten, ask the breeder if he tests his Maine Coons for carrying genetic diseases. Do not buy kittens in an unverified place, without pedigrees, with unknown genetics and origin.
And let's remember that cats are alive, and they can also get sick. If your Maine Coon is sick, contact the veterinarian in a timely manner. Feed quality food and monitor the general condition of your Maine Coon.
If you have heard other persistent myths about Maine Coons - write to us! We will be happy to expose them as well.
